Bucks From Beyond Changed Staten Island Woman's Life

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. --- When Penny Martin was 16, her older boyfriend whispered in her ear that he would always take care of her, and, to prove it, he had made her the beneficiary of his life insurance.

More than three decades later, that promise came true: Ms. Martin — a cook at Forever Young Senior Center, who spent much of last year commuting to the job from a homeless shelter in Manhattan — received a check for $10,000 from the state’s unclaimed funds.

“During these difficult economic times, everyone could use a little bit of help,” said Sen. Savino. “Fortunately, the comptroller’s office has made it easy for New Yorkers to find out if the state owes you money.”